Unity and Growth in the Early Church
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the early church's journey as depicted in the book of Acts, focusing on the challenges they faced and the solutions they implemented to maintain unity and growth. The early church experienced significant growth, but this was soon threatened by lies, hypocrisy, and internal conflicts. Satan's attempts to disrupt the church through these means were met with resilience and wisdom from the apostles, who continued to preach the Word and perform miracles. When the Hellenistic Jews felt neglected in the daily distribution of food, the apostles wisely appointed seven Spirit-filled and wise men to oversee this task, ensuring fairness and unity within the congregation.
This passage teaches us the importance of addressing conflicts with wisdom and Spirit-led decisions. It also highlights the necessity of every member's involvement in the church's mission. The apostles' decision to delegate responsibilities allowed them to focus on preaching and prayer, demonstrating the value of shared leadership and community involvement.
We are reminded that the mission of the church is to lead people to Christ, proclaim the gospel, and bring hope and encouragement to those around us. This mission can be hindered by internal conflicts and distractions, but with God's guidance, we can overcome these challenges. The call to serve extends beyond Sunday services; it involves active participation in various ministries throughout the week, whether through visiting the sick, teaching, or simply reaching out to those in need.
As we reflect on these lessons, let us commit to being witnesses for Christ in our daily lives, showing love and grace to others as Jesus has shown to us. Let us also be mindful of the power of our words and actions, ensuring they align with God's will and contribute to the unity and growth of His church.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Addressing Conflicts with Wisdom and Spirit-Led Decisions:
The early church faced significant internal conflicts, particularly between the Hellenistic and Hebrew Jews. The apostles' decision to appoint seven Spirit-filled and wise men to oversee the distribution of food ensured fairness and unity within the congregation. This teaches us the importance of addressing conflicts with wisdom and seeking God's guidance in our decisions. [19:51]
2. The Mission of the Church:
The primary mission of the church is to lead people to Christ, proclaim the gospel, and bring hope and encouragement to those around us. Internal conflicts and distractions can hinder this mission, but with God's guidance, we can overcome these challenges and stay focused on our purpose. [24:14]
3. The Value of Shared Leadership and Community Involvement:
The apostles' decision to delegate responsibilities allowed them to focus on preaching and prayer. This demonstrates the value of shared leadership and the importance of every member's involvement in the church's mission. Each of us has a role to play in serving and supporting the church community. [26:35]
4. The Power of Our Words and Actions:
Our words and actions have a significant impact on those around us. We must be mindful of what we say and do, ensuring they align with God's will and contribute to the unity and growth of His church. Gossip and false information can cause harm, but truth and love can build up the community. [22:47]
5. Being Witnesses for Christ in Daily Life:
Our faith is tested daily, and we are called to be witnesses for Christ in all aspects of our lives. This involves showing love and grace to others, reaching out to those in need, and living out our faith authentically. By doing so, we reflect Christ's love and contribute to the growth of His kingdom. [39:17]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[03:25] - Upcoming Events and Announcements
[07:11] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[18:52] - Introduction to the Book of Acts
[19:51] - Challenges in the Early Church
[20:37] - Satan's Attempts to Disrupt the Church
[21:24] - God's Abominations and Church Conflicts
[22:47] - The Dangers of Gossip
[24:14] - The Mission of the Church
[25:33] - The First Church Committee
[26:35] - Appointing Spirit-Filled Leaders
[27:37] - Ensuring Fairness in the Church
[28:40] - Call for Help and Involvement
[29:45] - The Importance of Visiting the Sick
[31:18] - Challenge to Share Communion
[33:56] - Being a Witness for Christ
[39:17] - Daily Tests of Faith
[41:04] - Commitment to Witnessing for Christ
[42:05] - Jesus' Call to Love One Another
[44:05] - Closing Prayer and Communion
[51:31] - Prayer Concerns and Praises
[58:40] - Final Prayers and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 6:1-7
2. Proverbs 6:16-19
3. Matthew 28:19-20
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the main challenges faced by the early church as described in Acts 6:1-7?
2. How did the apostles address the conflict between the Hellenistic and Hebrew Jews? ([26:35])
3. According to Proverbs 6:16-19, what are some actions that God considers an abomination?
4. What is the primary mission of the church as stated in Matthew 28:19-20 and reiterated in the sermon? ([24:14])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why was it important for the apostles to appoint Spirit-filled and wise men to oversee the distribution of food? ([26:35])
2. How can internal conflicts and distractions hinder the mission of the church? ([24:14])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the role of every church member in maintaining unity and growth? ([28:40])
4. How do our words and actions impact the unity and growth of the church community? ([22:47])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced conflict within a church. How was it resolved, and what could have been done differently to address it with wisdom and Spirit-led decisions? ([26:35])
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of shared leadership and community involvement. What specific role can you take on to support your church's mission? ([28:40])
3. Think about your daily interactions. How can you ensure that your words and actions align with God's will and contribute to the unity and growth of the church? ([22:47])
4. The early church faced significant challenges but overcame them with God's guidance. What are some current challenges in your church, and how can you contribute to overcoming them? ([19:51])
5. The sermon calls us to be witnesses for Christ in our daily lives. Identify one person you can reach out to this week to show love and grace. How will you do it? ([39:17])
6. How can you actively participate in various ministries throughout the week, beyond Sunday services? Think of one specific action you can take this week. ([28:40])
7. Reflect on the power of your words. Have you ever spread gossip or false information? How can you be more mindful of your speech to build up the church community? ([22:47])
Devotional
Day 1: Addressing Conflicts with Wisdom and Spirit-Led Decisions
The early church faced significant internal conflicts, particularly between the Hellenistic and Hebrew Jews. These conflicts threatened the unity and growth of the church. The apostles, recognizing the gravity of the situation, appointed seven Spirit-filled and wise men to oversee the distribution of food, ensuring fairness and unity within the congregation. This decision was not just practical but also deeply spiritual, as it required discernment and reliance on God's guidance. The apostles' approach teaches us the importance of addressing conflicts with wisdom and seeking God's direction in our decisions. By doing so, we can maintain unity and foster growth within our communities. [19:51]
Acts 6:1-3 (ESV): "Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, 'It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.'"
Reflection: Think of a recent conflict you have experienced within your community or family. How can you seek God's wisdom and guidance to address it in a way that promotes unity and fairness?
Day 2: The Mission of the Church
The primary mission of the church is to lead people to Christ, proclaim the gospel, and bring hope and encouragement to those around us. Internal conflicts and distractions can hinder this mission, but with God's guidance, we can overcome these challenges and stay focused on our purpose. The early church's experience reminds us that our mission is not just about maintaining internal harmony but also about reaching out to the world with the message of Christ. We must be vigilant against anything that distracts us from this mission and rely on God's strength to stay the course. [24:14]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: What are some distractions or conflicts that have hindered your ability to share the gospel recently? How can you refocus on the mission of leading people to Christ today?
Day 3: The Value of Shared Leadership and Community Involvement
The apostles' decision to delegate responsibilities allowed them to focus on preaching and prayer. This demonstrates the value of shared leadership and the importance of every member's involvement in the church's mission. Each of us has a role to play in serving and supporting the church community. By sharing responsibilities, we can ensure that all aspects of the church's mission are addressed effectively. This approach not only fosters a sense of community but also empowers individuals to use their gifts for the greater good. [26:35]
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (ESV): "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."
Reflection: What specific role or responsibility can you take on within your church community to support its mission? How can you use your unique gifts to serve others?
Day 4: The Power of Our Words and Actions
Our words and actions have a significant impact on those around us. We must be mindful of what we say and do, ensuring they align with God's will and contribute to the unity and growth of His church. Gossip and false information can cause harm, but truth and love can build up the community. The early church faced challenges from within, including the dangers of gossip and misinformation. By speaking truth and acting in love, we can help build a stronger, more united community that reflects Christ's love. [22:47]
Ephesians 4:29 (ESV): "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."
Reflection: Reflect on your recent conversations and actions. Are there any words or behaviors that you need to change to better align with God's will and promote unity within your community?
Day 5: Being Witnesses for Christ in Daily Life
Our faith is tested daily, and we are called to be witnesses for Christ in all aspects of our lives. This involves showing love and grace to others, reaching out to those in need, and living out our faith authentically. By doing so, we reflect Christ's love and contribute to the growth of His kingdom. The early church's example challenges us to be consistent in our witness, not just on Sundays but throughout the week. Our daily interactions and choices should reflect our commitment to Christ and His teachings. [39:17]
1 Peter 2:12 (ESV): "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."
Reflection: Identify one specific way you can be a witness for Christ in your daily life today. How can you show love and grace to someone in need or live out your faith more authentically?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "But you know what? When the church grows, and when the church is doing good, and when things are really happening, it's when the devil works his hardest. Isn't it? It's when the devil decides, hey, I've got to stop that. I've got to figure out how to keep that from growing. I've got to figure out how to divide the congregation. I've got to decide how to destroy the congregation, because I don't want God being spread, and I don't want God to destroy the congregation." [19:51] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The mission of the church is to lead people to Christ. The mission of the church is to proclaim the gospel everywhere it can. The mission of the church is to bring hope and strength and encouragement to the people around us, that the ministry of the gospel is for us to continue to preach the word." [24:14] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus said, I love you. I That's what he said. I love you. He didn't say, okay, I guess I'll do this. He gathered them in the upper room. They had eaten a Passover meal. They had celebrated. They rejoiced and they realized how blessed they were. What was God doing? He was administering grace and love, wasn't he? It was his gift to the disciples. It's his gift to us. And so shouldn't we give this same gift to others?" [42:05] (75 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We can't put on a fake front because God sees through it. And if we're going to lie to God, there's no sense in coming to God. And so I always love that song, just come as you are. There's nothing on earth that no sorrow nor heaven can't fix or heal. And so what a great song." [01:06:02] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "As we progress in the book of Acts, we find that the church starts growing, and then they have a problem. And that problem is called lies and hypocrisy. And because of the lies, and the hypocrisy, the church stops growing. But then the disciples, or the apostles, the apostles, continue to do what they're called to do, and that's preach the word. And so they continue to preach the word, they continue to do miracles, and the church starts growing again." [18:52] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If somebody tells you gossip, do you check it out? No. You just spread it, because it's really good. It wouldn't be gossip if it wasn't worth spreading, right? And so let's just tell everybody, you know, on Facebook, several years ago, something came out, and I read it halfway, like I read most things halfway, and I thought, wow, that's terrible. And I posted it, and a friend of mine said, did you do that? Checked on it. And I said, no. He said, well, do it, because it's false." [22:05] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Sunday morning is for you to come here and hear the word, but Monday through Saturday, it's for you to do the work of God. And so whether you teach a Bible study, or whether you visit the sick, I felt really bad this week. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, I didn't visit anybody in the hospital, and we do have some in the hospital, but I didn't go visit. And the reason I didn't go visit was because I wanted to make sure I had at least five tests in me, so that I would know that I was not positive to COVID." [28:40] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "How many times a day do you get tested? I'm gonna ask you that question. How many times a day, and who's watching? Your neighbor? grandchildren? Your spouse? Your parents? Your grandparents? Your neighbor? Your co-worker? Who's watching? And then next week, we'll have to wait as Paul Harvey would say, the rest of the story is yet to come." [39:17] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Are you willing to be a witness for Christ? And so what I'd like you to do is turn to the person next to you, behind you, in front of you and just say, are you willing to be a witness for Christ? Okay, now I'm going to challenge all of you to say, absolutely, yes, I will. I will. I will. I will. Curtis from the nominated committee, would you write all their names down? Okay. So when you call you have nothing to do except to tell them, oh, by the way, you're on this podéis, right? Call, to a task. Right? Call, to minister to people. Right? Call, to bless people. Right?" [41:04] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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